Dear UK friends,
Once again a marvellous effort on the July Newsletter. As it stands from a stateside point of view there is plenty of value in the NWBN mag even if we're generally unfamiliar with the details of the local scene. The transcriptions are always a boon and the reports of US- based bands and their gigs across the pond are always a treat. By comparison I can say that in general the efforts of the average bluegrass monthly or for that matter any music publication without corporate sponsorship (and plenty of them with the big bucks) from over here in the States pale in comparison to the depth of effort and substance to be found in the Northwest Bluegrass News. Take it from one who actively scours whatever music press I can get my hands on. American music publishing is a thin cup of Joe to say the least. Keep up the good works. Articles soon to follow.

Ted Silverman
Bluegrass Enthusiast, Melodic Noodler, Aspiring Writer, Roots Music Aficianado, Mandolinist for the Chazz Cats , San Francisco.
Write to Write to Ted

What can I say, beyond we think “Joe” is coffee? Ed.

Wrist slapped...

Dear Derek
I feel I must take you to task on your review of Ironbridge - you don't appear to have enjoyed it.

With this being our very first Bluegrass Festival, I realise I have nothing to compare it with, but my whole family enjoyed it thoroughly. Starting with the amazing Dr. Sunshine, who kept our two demons entertained all day, allowing my wife and I to take in the sights, from energetic dancing to enlightening workshops by both Whiskey Hollow and Lou Reid & Carolina.

The evenings performances were opened by the marvellous Hired Hands; what with the new dress and real ties I didn’t recognise them. Having seen them a couple of times at the Grove Inn, in Leeds I was amazed at how much they seemed to blossom out on the big stage. They had no trouble filling the marquee with their home grown Bluegrass sounds.

Then came the first of the three American Bluegrass bands. I feel that Bluegrass music is simply music played predominately on guitar, banjo, violin and mandolin, music that is played with heart, soul and humour and as such all the acts that night were Bluegrass. So on came Whiskey Hollow and to an admittedly untrained ear, such as mine, they sounded great. The force at which they played kept me transfixed throughout. Although I agree with you that Haua-Nagila was a bit strange, I was sad to see them finish and look forward to them getting a recording deal. What does it matter what musicians wear or look like as long as they can entertain - Whiskey Hollow certainly did.

I would agree almost word for word with your thoughts on Lou Reid & Carolina, except to emphasise how much the young Czech man's playing lit up the stage, almost as much as his smile.

Finally on came Tim and Mollie O'Brien and the O’Boys; they'd been good in the afternoon, but were even better in the evening. With Tim's virtuoso playing, Mollie's sublime vocals, and Mark Shatz’ hambone, dancing, banjo pickin’ and bass playing, we were dazzled. From Shut De Do to the wonderful Wichita, they kept us entranced, so much so that we didn't notice the effects of carrying two sleeping children for nearly four hours!

We got home at 3.30 a.m. on the Sunday morning thoroughly shattered, but we both felt that all the travelling had been well worth it. I know it rained and the sound could have been better, but this is England in June, it always rains!.

I’d like to thank the organisers for a great day out and Pete Wraith for encouraging us to go and, in turn, yourself for introducing me to Pete and the NWBN. Without yourself we wouldn't even have been there.

Simon Ossit, Leeds

Oh dear, Simon! I didn’t say that I didn’t enjoy it, though surely I’m entitled not to if I so wish? In fact we went only to see LR&C. I did acknowledge “a host of British bands” but chose not to cover them because they’re ubiquitous. One of the big selling points of the Ironbridge festival was “We’ve got three USA bands”, which I inferred would play Bluegrass. But I can’t agree with your definition of Bluegrass.... Ed.

Derek,
I hope you have a quick and complete recovery. Your work is greatly appreciated. Gig 'em.
Joe David Brown Write to: JD_Brown@mail.okbu.edu
Shawnee, Oklahoma, USA.

Hillbilly Boogie Men

Derek,
There was some mention in the mag recently about a Dutch guy who played with Lou Reid at Ironbridge . It was in fact Yost the fiddle player from the Hillbilly Boogie Men. The mandolin player was Czech and lives in Prague - his name escapes me at the moment but I played with him as a fellow guest in Czech band COP at a concert in Turnov earlier this year.

Cheers, Phill Morley, Ed/Publisher, Banjo Gazette.

Things do get read... and appreciated...

Derek,

I saw your web site address mentioned on the Acutab list and paid you a visit. I sure am glad I did, its a great site and will go on my favorites list so that I can visit again. I read some really good tips on building up speed so my Stelling better get ready - thanks.  (Click for:  File 1   File 2 )

I have downloaded the two files and I have really enjoyed reading them. I guess I could give up my subscription to Bluegrass Unlimited and just snag your news off of the web - ha! You really do have a good Newsletter and it is really interesting reading about pickers on the other side of the big pond. I live in Harrisonburg, Virginia so I get to attend quite a few festivals within just a few hours drive. I did not realize how lucky I am until I started reading about how far some of you folks have to travel to listen to some big name groups. It is a pleasure reading something about your country since I lived there (in Bedford) for about two years and our second daughter was born there.

Phil Peterman, Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA.
Write to: kkk68@aol.com

Updated 23rd Jan 1999